What's this Blog About?

Politics in Wisconsin as they roll up to every level... and some other thoughts that may cross my mind are explored here from my lefty point of view. My values shape my opinions. You'll always find them in here. Let's have some fun exploring why Liberal values are American values!

Your comments are both welcome and encouraged!(The watercolor is called Magnolia Tree for Momma, by Audrey Crawford)

Friday, August 29, 2008

Speechless...

I was so moved by last night's speech by Barack Obama, that I absolutely cannot yet discuss it. No more words seem necessary on the topic. He covered it all and it seems to me the cheap parlor trick of picking a young, cute, even less experienced, and rabidly anti-choice woman is not a reassurance to the Hillary supporters that McCain, gets it, but instead a slap in the face to women and entirely unfair even to Palin herself. To go down as a cheap parlor trick in a political election shows the disrespect McCain himself has for the Hillary voters and for the woman he thrust into this mess who is so NOT attractive to a woman who wanted a strong smart and accomplished woman to lead this country.

A close friend of mine Biko Baker who happens to be one of the up and coming brilliant men in Wisconsin leadership. Biko is African American and running the League of Young Voters project in Wisconsin was at Invesco Field last night and his eloquance on the event outdoes anything I could produce at this speechless moment, so I am proud to reprint his thoughts here today and proud to call him both a friend and a colleague in the battle for justice and freedom.

Thank you Biko for sharing your thoughts when I am so unable to articulate mine!

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Dear Renee,

I was one of the 80,000 people who packed into Invesco Field to see Barack Obama claim the Democratic Presidential Nomination last night. It is hard for me to believe that a man of African ancestry is this close to becoming the President of the United States. I have to be honest: while I knew last night would be an extraordinary historical landmark, I did not expect to leave Denver as a proud and joyful American. But I did.

Last night, for the first time in my adult life, I waved an American Flag. It was just a little thing; a stick and fabric symbol, the same kind ancient veterans in immaculate uniforms hand out on the 4th of July. In my hand, it felt as light as air. It was something to be careful with.I wasn't waving the Red White and Blue because I am a Democrat, Republican or Independent. This wasn't about party; it was a personal celebration, shared by the 80,000 different Americans who crammed into that stadium. We came because we see this election as a chance to shrug off the partisanship of politics as usual. We came to display our pride, together.

I waved that flag because I believe that change is finally possible in our country. For too long the people who form the bedrock of our nation have been left out of the American Dream. Our greatest leaders have been murdered and destroyed, our institutions broken. We, our friends and families, work ourselves to the bone to make ends meet and can expect each day to simply be more of the same.

After last night's historic event, I woke up convinced that we can realize our beautiful dream. It wasn't the candidate that changed me. It wasn't the speech. It was the faces of those around me showing me that we, as Americans, are sick of the status quo. We are tired of inequality. We are ready to step up to be leaders in the greatest tradition of the men and women who placed this flag, this land, into our hands.

I believe that we have what it takes to tackle the contradictions that continue to divide us. We can truly become the "Change Generation." We face problems unprecedented in human history, and we must meet them as brothers and sisters. We are going to have to work harder every day, to convince the skeptical, and demonstrate the power of the Beloved Community over and over again. If we want it, we can do it. Last night we proved it.-

Rob 'Biko' Baker

p.s. I've posted this on our website, here. I would love to hear your thoughts.

No comments:

Magnolia Tree for Momma

By: Audrey Crawford

My Personal Free Speech Zone - DISCLAIMER!

Disclaimer!!! This is my personal page & although my professional position is pretty cool, & I may occasionally send out information to all of you that has to do with my work, please note: NOTHING on this profile is endorsed by, is representative of, is sponsored by or is in any way connected to any professional organizations I am compensated by or volunteer for & all endorsements & thoughts are my own & individual to me!!!

Who Is This Woman?

Renee has always dedicated her life’s passion & work to protecting and promoting the voting rights of Wisconsinites in a variety of ways & has been long time Milwaukee activist in Milwaukee. She was elected 5th CD Dean Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Boston, July 2004. She is co-founder of Grassroots Northshore. Renee was a founding board member/treasurer of Emerge WI & is currently on the board of Center Advocates & WI Network for Peace & Justice. She maintains Crawford's Take blog in her spare time. Her articles featured on fightingbob.com, Daily Kos, wispolitics.com, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel & Shepherd Express as well as many other blogs nationwide. Renee was a regular political columnist in Q-Life News.

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